ŠKODA to debut in the EV segment tomorrow: Here’s all you need to know!

ŠKODA lovers around the world have been waiting a long time for the Czech company to enter the electric vehicle market. Finally, the company has confirmed the launch of its first fully-electric vehicle on September 1, the ENYAQ iV. While all the official details and specifications will be revealed tomorrow, here’s what you should know about the electric SUV.

ŠKODA will offer the ENYAQ iV in various design versions: either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, with three different battery capacities and five performance versions. The basic model will be the ENYAQ iV 50 with a battery capacity of 55 kWh, which will have a 109 kW electric motor mounted on the rear axle and will deliver a range of up to 340 kilometres per charge. Next up will be the ENYAQ iV 60 with a 132 kW electric motor and a 62 kWh battery. This version will have a range of 390 kilometres. The biggest range, up to 500 kilometres, will be offered by the ENYAQ iV 80 with an 82 kWh battery capacity and a 150 kW electric motor. The two four-wheel-drive versions will also have the highest-capacity battery and a second electric motor at the front in addition to the one on the rear axle. The ENYAQ iV 80X will offer 195 kW of power, while the downright sporty RS will deliver 225 kW. The most dynamic version will accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds and have a top speed of 180 km/h. Both four-wheel-drive versions will have a maximum range of 460 kilometres.

The generous interior space of the ENYAQ iV is attributed to the MEB platform, which houses the traction battery in the vehicle’s floor. This leaves maximum possible room for the occupants. The 585-litre luggage compartment is proof that the car is also sufficient for most purposes. As a result, the ŠKODA ENYAQ iV will be both a dynamic and a practical electric vehicle.

Norbert Weber, head of interior design at ŠKODA says, “ The new design concept of the ENYAQ iV combines spaciousness and a ‘lounge feeling’. Instead of the usual equipment lines and numerous additional options, we are offering our new Design Selections in the ENYAQ iV for the first time. These are reminiscent of modern living environments, featuring perfectly coordinating colours and materials.”

At 4,648 millimetres long and 1,877 wide, the electric ENYAQ iV SUV will be slightly smaller than the standard ŠKODA KODIAQ. But its height of 1,618 millimetres is a clear sign that the ENYAQ iV will have more dynamic qualities. Even so, buyers of the first electric SUV from ŠKODA can look forward to a spacious interior that gives the impression of a living room. This is underlined by the new interior concept: customers can choose from various versions and ŠKODA, for the first time in a mass-produced car, is using sustainable materials like leather tanned with an olive extract.

Charging capacity will be up to 125 kW, which will make it possible to charge the battery from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in just forty minutes. The company is expected to reveal the price range for the e-SUV tomorrow, though it is expected to start from Rs 28 lakhs (ex-showroom). Deliveries should begin by 2021 across the world.

BMW Motorrad opens pre-launch bookings for the new G 310 duo!

BMW Motorrad India will open pre-launch bookings for the new BMW G 310 R and BMW G 310 GS – the two largest selling premium motorcycles from the BMW Motorrad stable in India. Customers are getting a special opportunity to book the bikes from 1 September 2020 onwards, ahead of the official launch.

To book the bikes pre-launch, customers can visit any BMW Motorrad dealership or fill up an inquiry form online via the company’s official website. Deliveries will be done on a first come first serve basis.

Mr. Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India said, “BMW Motorrad India has built a very robust position among motorcycling enthusiasts in India. With the BMW G 310 bikes, thousands of riding enthusiasts have entered the premium world of BMW Motorrad to explore riding in a completely different way. These two bikes offer a true BMW experience at competitive costs. Refined, redefined, and reenergized, the BMW G 310 R and BMW G 310 GS are now back in new BS-VI compliant variants. With the pre-launch bookings, customers and riding enthusiasts have a chance to secure the purchase ahead of the launch and be the first in the world to ride these new bikes on the roads.” The BMW G 310 R and the BMW G 310 GS motorcycles have been driving the momentum for BMW Motorrad India with a share of over 85% in yearly sales.

The BMW G 310 R represents everything BMW Motorrad stands for: innovation, quality, and powerful product substance. Designed specifically for the world market, it takes the typical BMW premium aspiration to the segment under 500 cc. It embodies the pure essence of a BMW roadster and offers dynamic performance and comfort on any road.

The BMW G 310 GS takes this excitement a step further into the typical GS territory that stands for robust adventures on two wheels. The BMW G 310 GS is a genuine GS: a highly contemporary product with a level of versatility that is currently unrivaled in the segment. Nimble and agile in traffic, yet supremely robust over tough terrain, its agility opens up a whole new world of riding experience.

To enable customers to own BMW Motorrad motorcycles of their choice, BMW Financial Services India will offer customized and flexible financial solutions. Customers can also get their loans pre-approved before delivery takes place.

For complete peace of mind, all BMW Motorrad bikes come with a standard warranty for ‘three years, unlimited kilometres’, with an option to extend the warranty to the fourth and fifth year. Road-Side Assistance, a 24×7 365 days package further ensures prompt services in case of breakdown and towing situations.

Pre-launch bookings can be done through the BMW Motorrad authorized dealer network, present across important centers in India.

Ducati turns up the heat with the all-new Panigale V2!

Luxury motorcycle brand, Ducati has officially announced the launch of the all-new Panigale V2 in India at a price of Rs 16.99 lacs (Ex-Showroom India). The all-new Panigale V2 is a beefy yet compact bike of essential design with clear-cut lines that convey power without compromising on the classic Ducati superbike flair.

The Panigale V2 is equipped with a 955 cc twin-cylinder Superquadro engine which is now BS-VI compliant, delivers 5 BHP more and 2 Nm torque more thanks to new injectors (larger in size with a different working angle) and a more efficient snorkel which minimizes pressure loss. The V2 also features a new compact exhaust, routed entirely underneath the engine giving a clean look to the beautiful lines of the youngest member of the Panigale superbike family.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Bipul Chandra, Managing Director of Ducati India said, “The Panigale portfolio is a significant milestone in Ducati’s superbike journey that has brought incredible recognition to the brand. With the entry of Panigale V2, we bring a model in the family that looks and feels more accessible while delivering the true Ducati experience. Built to impress, it is a superbike with a decisive character, and beginners, as well as experts, will have a lot of fun on it.

The Panigale V2 is our first BS6 motorcycle for 2020 and has received tremendous customer response with overwhelming consumer engagement. Needless to say, we are eager to see riders unleashing this beautiful beast on the street and the racetrack, to set a new paradigm in the super mid category.”

Unlike the outgoing model, the Panigale V2 features a single-sided aluminum swingarm, the hallmark of every high-end sports Ducati. Gently molded around the refined monocoque frame, the extensive fairing highlights the more compact twin-cylinder Superquadro engine creating a bike that is visibly leaner and less intimidating than the Panigale V4.

The front headlight assembly is extremely compact on the Panigale V2. The DRL and the upper rim of the dual headlight assembly create the iconic V-style profile. At the rear, the full-LED tail light features a two-part design as per the Ducati sports tradition.

Boasting of a cutting-edge electronics package, it features the latest generation electronics suite based on a 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit that instantly detects the bike’s roll, yaw, and pitch angles. It includes Cornering ABS EVO, Ducati Traction Control EVO 2, Ducati Quick Shift EVO 2, Ducati Wheelie Control EVO, Engine Braking Control EVO, and all these electronics never leave the rider in any doubt that the Panigale V2 is a thoroughbred Ducati which raises the active safety and dynamic control standards on the motorcycle.

All controls are incorporated in the three Riding Modes (Race, Sport, Street) and can be adjusted via the all-new 4.3″ colour TFT dashboard. Featuring a user-friendly graphic interface, browsing menus, adjusting settings, and identifying the selected Riding Mode couldn’t be easier.

The Panigale V2 has revised ergonomics aimed at improving comfort and ensuring safety. The new seat allows for greater longitudinal movement of the rider and greater comfort thanks to the new foam that raises it by 5 mm. The position of the footpegs remains the same.

The updated suspension set-up on the Panigale V2 includes a fully adjustable 43 mm Showa Big Piston Fork at the front, fully adjustable side-mounted Sachs mono-shock at the rear, & a cross-mounted Sachs steering damper for improved comfort. The Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II derived from WSBK, grace the Panigale V2 both on the front and at the rear. The tires combine racetrack-level performance with road versatility & ensure superior grip on all surfaces.

The V2 is also higher from the ground – 2 mm at the front & 5 mm at the rear. This ergonomic change combined with the new Pirelli tires makes the bike more intuitive, agile, and fun to ride.

The Panigale V2 comes in the traditional Ducati Red color and is priced at INR 16.99 lacs (Ex-Showroom). It comes with an entire range of apparel and accessories to provide a unique riding and ownership experience, and bookings are open across all Ducati dealerships in Delhi – NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Kochi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Hyderabad.

ŠKODA opens pre bookings for the new Rapid Automatic!

ŠKODA AUTO India commenced the booking window for the much-awaited new RAPID automatic (AT) against a refundable fee of ₹ 25,000 across all its authorized dealership facilities in the country and on the ŠKODA AUTO India website. Having secured a priority status, this pre-booked ŠKODA RAPID AT will be delivered to customers from 18 September 2020.

Mr. Zac Hollis, Brand Director – ŠKODA AUTO India, said: “ŠKODA AUTO India recently introduced the new RAPID TSI range of products that now boasts state of the art 1.0 Turbocharged Stratified Injection engine offering the best of both worlds: exceptional power output and excellent fuel economy. An overwhelming response from brand loyalists and auto enthusiasts from across the nation has obligated the Czech marque to push the yardstick further and introduce the convenience of an AT transmission across the RAPID TSI range, at a very competitive price point.”

“The new RAPID AT will offer a compelling combination of the brand’s timeless design ideals, unmatched performance, superior build quality, exemplary ‘value for money’ proposition, and enhanced safety and security. It is deemed to be the best seller in its class, setting the benchmark for functionality, practicality, spaciousness, and convenience.”

At the heart of the new ŠKODA RAPID AT is an incredible new TSI mill. Displacing 999 cm3, the new three-cylinder 1.0 TSI petrol engine fosters an astounding 110 PS (81 kW) of power at 5000 – 5500 rpm and 175 Nm of torque at 1750 – 4000 rpm. The fuel efficiency too is exemplary. The new RAPID AT, with the six-speed automatic transmission, offers 16.24 kmpl under standard test conditions.

When compared with the outgoing 1.6 MPI engine, the new ŠKODA RAPID AT offers a 5% upsurge in power and a 14% rise in torque output. At the same time, the new RAPID offers a 9% increase in fuel efficiency against the previous motor. The new RAPID AT is calibrated for refinement, efficiency as well as performance, and perfectly fits the urbane lifestyle of the ŠKODA AUTO customers.

Audi rolls in the Goliath: The 2020 RS Q8

German luxury car manufacturer Audi has officially announced the launch of its sportiest Q, the all-new Audi RS Q8 in India. The Audi RS Q8 combines the power of an RS model with the elegance of a premium coupe and the ability of an SUV.

The turbocharged direct-injection V8 equipped in the RS Q8 produces a full-bodied and sporty V8 growl, and Audi’sDrive Select Dynamic Handling System lets the user personalize the driving manners. It also gets a mild-hybrid system (MHEV) with a 48-volt main onboard electrical system, which combines with the V8 to ensure maximum performance with high efficiency. The Audi RS Q8 also features cylinder on demand (COD) technology that turns off cylinders when lesser power needed to save fuel. The car uses a standard eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox that sends power to the permanent all-wheel drive Quattro system. The new Audi RS Q8 successfully combines outstanding sportiness and maximum everyday usability.

As standard, the Audi RS Q8 boasts all-wheel steering, RS roof spoiler, Audi’s Virtual cockpit, Quattro with self-locking differential, Sport Adaptive Air Suspension, and 2 RS modes for personalized drive settings. The Audi RS Q8 also comes standard with massive 58.42 cms (23”) 5 Y-Spoke Diamond Turned alloys. Air Quality Package with 4 Zone climate control is also standard.

As optional extras, the Audi RS Q8 offers a Black styling package with logos in black, panoramic sunroof, Head-up display, Matrix LED headlights, RS Sports Exhaust, a B&O Advanced Sound system with 3D sound and RS dynamic package plus which increases the top speed to 305 kph.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India, said, “We are thrilled to bring the record setting Audi RS Q8 to India. It’s an all-in-one model that is at home in the rough as it is on the racetrack. The Audi RS Q8 is an agile beast and is a true high-performance sports model under its aggressive exterior. It’s massive twin-turbo V8 with 600hp and 800 Nm of torque propels the car to 100kph from standstill in under four seconds. We are confident that the Audi RS Q8 will have a magnetic pull for luxury sports cars aficionados.”

He further added, “The recently launched Audi RS 7 and the Audi RS Q8 that debuts today are at the cutting edge of Audi Sport. This shows our commitment to offering the very best to our customers in India. We will add more exciting new models from the Audi global range to India this year and look forward to enhancing the celebrations of our customers during the festive season.”

The Audi RS Q8 has a base price of Rs 2.07 Crore (ex-showroom).

Asus ROG Phone 3 review: Entering the Republic of Gamers

I have been a gamer for a long time and I have been playing games since the age of 8-bit graphics and blocky controls. I have seen gaming evolve from gigantic controllers that only offered basic functions to gesture-based controls that take user inputs from thin air. Today, I will be talking about the pinnacle of modern gaming. This is a review of the Asus ROG Phone 3.

Touch and Feel:

Sticking to the ROG family, the ROG Phone 3 features subtle design upgrades such as a transparent window for the heat sink on the glass back and an overall sleek appearance. However, it carries forward the shape, dimensions, and RGB light-up logo at the back from the ROG Phone 2. ROG stands for the Republic Of Gamers and Asus wanted that to be the phone’s highlight. This was made evident the moment I held the phone in my hand. It has a hefty and chunky feel to it and its design simply calls out to the gamer in you.

I was greeted with a massive 6.59-inch AMOLED screen with a built-in fingerprint scanner. The phone is quite comfortable to hold and gave me an intuitive experience. I really liked the two speakers that are front-facing, so the sound is not blocked even if I stick my fingers to the side of the phone. The volume rocker and power button are accompanied by two capacitive AirTriggers, which are extremely useful when playing shooting games like PUBG or COD.

Gaming benefits:

There is a special mode, called X Mode and this is where things get serious for the ROG Phone 3. Clicking on this mode will change the wallpaper, letting you know that the phone is ready to game. Next, this mode offers different scenario profiles, with different performance settings. It also allows you to thoroughly customize the phone’s performance for the game of your choice. For example, I was able to not only alter parameters like touch sensitivity, refresh rate for the display and network restrictions, I could also alter the CPU and GPU performance for each game individually! The phone also offers up to 144Hz refresh rate, giving a seamless response to every touch input, along with a completely lag-free gaming experience even at 60fps and higher.

Another gaming benefit of the ROG Phone 3 is the Snapdragon 865 Plus processor and an overclocked Adreno 650 GPU. This hardware has been specially designed to offer the best gaming experience and it nails the job. Any game I clicked on opened almost instantly and I was ready to play even before my friends’ games had started. The phone also gets a new cooling system to keep the heat out when overclocking for higher frame rates.

Battery backup:

Asus has given the ROG Phone 3 a 6000mAh battery which can easily last for more than a day, but with light use. Heavy gamers who prefer the highest graphic setting will find the battery draining a lot faster. However, that can be taken care of due to the fact that the phone supports QuickCharge 4.0 and comes with a 30W charger. This means you can fully charge the phone, from 0 percent in little more than an hour.

Camera:

Though it is a gaming smartphone, it does get a decent camera setup. There is a 64MP shooter posing as the main camera, along with a 13MP ultra-wide angle lens and a 5MP macro lens. Selfie lovers can use the single 24MP front-facing camera. Overall, the quality of the camera is not outstanding, but that’s not what this phone is about either.

Verdict:

With a starting price around the Rs 50,000 mark, the Asus ROG Phone 3 is definitely not a casual buy. But what you get for that kind of money is one of the best gaming setups in the market, in a size that fits in your pocket. It lacks wireless charging which is a drawback in this price range and overall the ROG Phone 3 is best used for gaming only. The phone is a little large and heavy to carry around, but ardent gamers will overlook these parameters easily. Personally, if I were to pick this phone I would give up all my gaming paraphernalia. But that’s just me…

Soar the Clouds with HyperX: Two new gaming headsets launched in India.

Gamers of India! It is time to break your piggy banks and experience the next level of gaming! HyperX has officially launched two new headsets in the HyperX Cloud Stinger family, HyperX Cloud Stinger Core + 7.1 and HyperX Cloud Stinger Core Wireless + 7.1 Gaming Headset. Both new Cloud Stinger Core headsets now feature 7.1 virtual surround sound via NGENUITY software.

Both headphones offer virtual surround sound to provide a more immersive in-game audio experience. They are equipped with 40mm directional drivers that deliver high-quality sound with pinpoint audio precision. Both Stinger Core models feature a lightweight design with each headset weighing in at just under 245 grams. Both utilize adjustable steel sliders, intuitive volume control on the headset earcup, and swivel-to-mute noise-canceling microphone.

“HyperX is excited to expand it’s Cloud Stinger gaming headset family with two new 7.1 surround sound headsets for gamers looking for an economic headset,” said HyperX. “With students, parents, and gamers working and playing at home more than ever, HyperX has expanded the Stinger product line to offer more affordable headsets.”

For fans of wireless headsets, the HyperX Cloud Stinger Core Wireless + 7.1 headset provides freedom from cords with a reliable 2.4Ghz wireless connection. It has a maximum range of 20m and a battery life of 17 hours.

The HyperX Cloud Stinger Core + 7.1 gaming headset is available exclusively for INR 4,490 on Amazon and HyperX Cloud Stinger Core wireless gaming headset + 7.1 is available exclusively for INR 7,490 on Amazon. We also reviewed the HyperX Cloud Stinger Core wireless gaming headset + 7.1 which you can check out here.

Audi Lovers! Here is the best app for ‘All Things Audi’

Audi India has recently been keen on taking big steps in its Digitalization journey. As a part of that process, the German luxury carmaker rolled out the enhanced version of its ‘myAudi Connect’ app. For the first time, the app will also cater to potential customers and Audi fans, along with existing Audi customers.

The latest version of the App offers several additional functions including login for Audi Club India members, payment options to enable in-app merchandise purchase, exclusive offers from Audi Concierge, offers on car-life products and online help and support – all of this within a secure framework and in compliance with data protection. These features are offered as standard for all Audi India customers. Potential customers and enthusiasts get access to features including Augmented Reality, placement of test drive requests, product brochures, and service cost calculators amongst others. It also builds on features like customer safety and security, driver behavior info, Audi Concierge facility, geo-location, and service bookings that were offered earlier.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India, said, “At Audi India, we have endeavored to make our existing suite of digital tech more user-friendly and all-encompassing in functionality. Our ‘myAudi Connect’ App first introduced in 2019 was very well received by customers and it gives me great joy to say that the latest development will help us serve our tech-savvy customer even better. New features such as in-app custom offer, AR, and book a test drive function widen the scope of the app to prospective Audi customers. Digitalization is a journey, not destination and we will continue to upgrade our services for our Customers and fans going forward.”

The features offered by the ‘myAudi Connect’ are designed for the convenience of existing customers, as well as to cater to Audi enthusiasts and fans. For existing customers, the app gives access to Audi Club India. An exclusive owner’s community, this feature offers unparalleled benefits and gives customer access to private events, a community newsfeed, video and photo gallery, and an update on news modules. There are exclusive aftersales and partner offers available to the members. This membership comes complimentary with the ‘myAudi Connect’ telematics bundle.

The app also enables online payments to dealerships, paying for an event pass online, booking experiences online, and access to purchase aftersales and other Audi Car Life products. Fans of Audi would benefit most from this feature as they can now purchase Audi merchandise via the app using a secure payment gate.

Audi fans and non-Audi customers can get access to Augmented Reality, detailed product brochures, a product configurator, place test-drive requests, and access help desk for any additional information on products and services. The latest news and launch updates are also available.

Fancy a Volvo XC40? Now you can get one hassle-free!

Have you ever thought of buying a Volvo, but hesitated for any reason? Well, now you have a chance to reconsider! Swedish luxury car manufacturer. Volvo today introduced ‘Hassle-Free Offer’ on its luxury SUV, the XC40. Customers can buy the car at a special price of Rs 36.90 lakh and receive complimentary accessories worth Rs 1 lakh as well.

Potential customers can now simply walk into their nearest showroom and buy the car without the feeling of missing out on a better offer at another showroom of the company. The offer provides the freedom to customers from the hassles of a complex buying process and makes it completely transparent for customers as well as dealers.

Volvo has introduced the offer in tune with the 74th Independence Day of India on August 15. Charles Frump, Managing Director – Volvo Car India said, “We want to create an ecosystem where our customers can focus on technology and comfort features of XC40 without worrying about the price. Hassle-Free Offer does that seamlessly by smoothing out their buying experience”

The XC40 T4 R-Design is the company’s first petrol offering in the entry-level SUV segment. It is also the only car in its segment to have radar-based Active Safety features like City Safety with Steering Assist that prevent collision with other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals up to speeds of 50 kmph.

OnePlus Nord reviewed: Mid-ranger game-changer or just an ordinary smartphone?

OnePlus recently reentered the mid-range smartphone market segment with the launch of the OnePlus Nord. It may not be the best phone from the company’s stable, but it definitely packs a punch. The Nord had definitely been the talk of the town during its launch phase. However, it got a bittersweet reception after its specifications and pricing were announced.

Instead of taking a step further in the flagship range competition, OnePlus went with the tried-and-tested formula of returning to the mid-range segment, offering three variants of the Nord. I got a chance to use the top trim with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, which is what I am going to talk about in this review.

Now, I have been an OnePlus user for over two years. My model, the OnePlus 6 has 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Naturally, I was expecting a considerable upgrade when using the Nord. But, the primary difference that I noticed, unfortunately, was the screen size and not the performance. Even in hardcore gaming, the best advantages the Nord offered was a slightly bigger screen, a better 20:9 aspect ratio, and clearer graphics.

Look and Feel:

The Nord is only marginally bigger than my OnePlus 6, though it has much thinner bezels and a better body-to-screen ratio. The phone also feels mediocre to hold. Not that it feels of inferior quality in any way, but it just meets usual OnePlus standards. It does get an all-glass body with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection on both front and back. However, the downer is the plastic frame, which diminishes sturdiness and makes you feel less confident when handling your device. It also does not have an IP rating for dust and water resistance, further adding to its disadvantages over its competitors. I got to review the Gray Onyx coloured model, which I personally would always prefer over the Blue Marble.

The Nord retains the company’s signature slider button for volume profiles on the right, along with the power/wake button. The overall look and feel of the phone is neat, however, it misses out on the premiumness that OnePlus phones are generally associated with.

Camera:

Having said that, the Nord takes the cake with its camera. OnePlus offers some of the best manual control options in its camera. Even in my OnePlus 6, the Pro mode can be used to click DSLR quality images. Consequently, the Quad Camera setup of the Nord is lightyears ahead. Still sticking to the Pro mode, the OnePlus Nord allowed me to click lifelike images effortlessly. But for the occasions when I felt too lazy to adjust the settings, the Nord had my back with its 48MP Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) camera. It has a Sony IMX586 main sensor, along with three secondary cameras of 8MP, 2MP, and 5MP. All other photo modes (which are a lot by the way) support superzoom and superwide mode, but the 48MP mode takes all control in its own hands. Just focus and click away!

Video options are also ample, with 4K recording at 30 fps, 1080p recording at 30 and 60 fps, and a Time-lapse mode at 4K (30 fps) and 1080p (30 fps). For “Slo-Mo” content creators, the Nord can take super slow-motion videos at 1080p at 240 fps! The media that I captured was further enhanced when displayed on the 6.44” Fluid AMOLED screen. Not to forget its 90Hz refresh rate that offered a decently seamless transition.

Processor:

Honestly, I was quite disappointed by the processor choice. Again comparing with my OnePlus 6, I found its Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 to be much more efficient than the Nord’s Snapdragon 765G, which was rather dejecting. While both processors have 8 cores, the Snapdragon 765G has a combined peak CPU speed of 15.4 GHz, while the Snapdragon 845 clocks 18.28 GHz. The Nord does get a higher upload speed of 210 MBits/s, has a 267MHz higher RAM speed, and has a larger maximum memory size, which is why the Nord is available with 12GB of RAM. But apart from that, I missed the feeling of getting a processor upgrade when switching from my OnePlus 6 to the Nord.

Phone Setup:

Talking about switching, OnePlus offers a neat little app called, well, OnePlus Switch. This allowed me to replicate my existing settings and applications from my old OnePlus 6 to the new Nord. The transfer also happened in the time it took me to reach home from the office, which is why I was all set to experience the Nord as soon as I stepped in. To emphasize, the app transferred more than 50 GB of data, along with multiple customization and personalization settings in a span of 15 minutes, without a strong Wi-Fi connection.

Battery:

Being an ardent gamer, I mastered many different genres of games (Challenge me if you dare?). The OnePlus Nord allowed me to play games as intensely as I wanted while offering a decent battery backup with its 4115 mAh battery pack. On the occasional weekend that I played games from morning till night, I only had to leave the Nord on charge for a little over an hour. The WarpCharge 30T charger that comes in the box was wholly responsible for that, no questions asked. Honestly, I needed a bigger break than that so I am not complaining.

Verdict:

Priced at Rs 29,999, the top trim of the OnePlus Nord is the best choice for potential customers. This is because, with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, users can experience the fullest potential of the OnePlus Nord. Also, its option with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage is priced just Rs 2000 less, which makes the top trim an even more value for money option. The Nord offers everything that OnePlus is known for, but it leaves something to desire. Probably as OnePlus says, Never Settle?